Exploring the World of Mexican Mole: A Guide to Traditional Dishes

Mexican mole is a traditional and flavorful sauce that is often used in Mexican cuisine. It’s a complex and rich sauce that is made from a variety of ingredients, including spices, herbs, and chiles. Mole is a popular and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, including chicken, pork, beef, and even vegetarian options. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at mole, its history, and how to make this delicious sauce at home.

History of Mole:

The origin of mole is not entirely clear, but it’s believed to have originated in pre-Hispanic Mexico. The Aztecs and Mayans used chiles and cocoa in their cooking, and it’s possible that mole sauce has its roots in these ancient cultures. Over time, mole sauce evolved and became more complex, with additional ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruits being added to the recipe. Today, mole is a beloved sauce in Mexican cuisine and is often served at special occasions and celebrations.

Recipe for Mexican Mole

Mole is a complex sauce made with a variety of ingredients, including chilies, spices, nuts, and often chocolate. Here is a basic recipe for mole:

Mole Ingredients:

• 4 dried ancho chilies
• 4 dried pasilla chilies
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 slice bread, torn into small pieces
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
• Salt to taste

Mole Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side, until they are fragrant.
3. Soak the toasted chilies in hot water for 20 minutes.
4. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the sesame seeds, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and oregano and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Drain the chilies and add them to the pot along with the raisins, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, bread, tomato, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
8. Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve and return it to the pot.
9. Add the chocolate and salt and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes.

Cooking Time for Mexican Mole

Mexican mole is a time-consuming dish to prepare. The cooking time for this recipe is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including preparation time.

Conclusion

Mole is a flavorful and complex sauce that is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Its unique combination of spices, chilies, and chocolate gives it a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. While it can be time-consuming to prepare, the end result is well worth the effort. Whether you’re using it as a sauce for chicken, enchiladas, or tamales, mole is sure to add a delicious and unique flavor to your meals.

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